The combination, who survived a spectacular fall on cross country at the 2012 London Olympics, showed no hesitation yesterday on Saumur's track, coming home clear within the time to improve to eighth place after starting in 20th following the dressage phase.

Today's show jumping element proved difficult for the majority of the riders, with only five going clear from 41 starters, and though the Irish combination had one rail down, they nevertheless moved up a place to claim seventh overall.

The French dominated the event, securing five of the top ten places on their home turf, including the top four placings overall. The outright winner was Maxime Livio and Qalao des Mers.